Anne here. When I realized it was my turn to blog on New Year's Eve, I recalled that I'd blogged on New Year's Eve three years ago, in 2009-10. I did a quick search to check on what I'd said back then, because I didn't want to repeat myself. Instead I surprised myself. My 2009 post reflected on what had changed during the previous ten years, and rereading it, I am still surprised by how much our world has changed in such a short time. It's here if you want to read it. Scroll down for the part about the last ten years —there's a heading.
2013 has been a bit of a year of transition for me, difficult in some ways, but I can see the light at the end of the tunnel. My plan for 2014 is to simplify my life, and to that end I've been tackling the clutter in my house — I'm even shedding books! I'm also stepping down from some other commitments, for instance from a Board of Management I've been part of for fifteen years. The plan is be open to new opportunities.
So that's it for me. I'm planning a very simple New Year's Eve celebration too -- just fish and chips on the waterfront, and watching the fireworks, though I'm not in Sydney where they have the most spectacular fireworks — you can't beat the harbour bridge and the stunning harbour setting, but I love fireworks of any kind.
How do you plan to see the New Year in? What has 2013 been like for you? And do you have any special hopes or plans for 2014?
Happy New Year!
Sounds like the perfect New Years. Ours will be much the same. Hanging out with the family, eating takeaway curry and drinking bubbly!
Posted by: Rachael Johns | Tuesday, December 31, 2013 at 01:16 AM
Thanks for dropping by, Rach. Have a lovely evening, and may 2014 bring you even more publishing success.
Posted by: Anne Gracie | Tuesday, December 31, 2013 at 03:13 AM
My New Year's Eve is going to be quiet: a simple dinner and a good book. New Year's Day is when I'm getting together with friends. As for 2014, I hoping for lots of good books, rewarding challenges at work, time for creative projects, fun with friends, and a good surprise or two. May you and yours have a healthy, prosperous, and happy New Year.
Posted by: Shannon | Tuesday, December 31, 2013 at 09:00 AM
My New Years is the annual Men Against the Women Trivial Pursuit game with our next door neighbors. The women have won 16 times, the men 4.
Posted by: Kay | Tuesday, December 31, 2013 at 09:35 AM
A quiet night in with friends family snd a chinese take-away . One of these years I will get the husband to play the black bear on his bagpipes up and down the street - not this year tho as my friends daughter has just had twins and their sleep is disturbed enough !! May you all have a Happy and peaceful New Year and the words just keep coming please wenches !
Posted by: Jo Banks | Tuesday, December 31, 2013 at 09:38 AM
Fish and chips on the Australian waterfront. Drool. I remember wonderful f&c in Hobart. What sort of fish, Anne? I think I had dorada. It was delicious.
I can get good fish and chips here, I should say, but that was a great meal.
Cheers,
Jo
Posted by: Jobev | Tuesday, December 31, 2013 at 10:54 AM
Sounds perfectly lovely. I'm making pizza and watching the fireworks on television. :-) It's been a busy year, and 2014 looks to be one of my biggest adventures yet.
Posted by: Laurel Hawkes | Tuesday, December 31, 2013 at 11:19 AM
Fish and chips....nummm.
Posted by: Artemisia | Tuesday, December 31, 2013 at 04:33 PM
Thanks, Shannon -- a quiet evening and a gathering next day with friends sounds lovely. I hope your desires for 2014 come true. All the best for it.
Posted by: Anne Gracie | Tuesday, December 31, 2013 at 07:22 PM
Kay, that sounds like a fun get-together. And of course, why am I not surprised about the score? Happy new year.
Posted by: Anne Gracie | Tuesday, December 31, 2013 at 07:23 PM
Sounds like a lovely plan, Jo. As for the black bear on the pipes -- I'm with you there and would be egging your husband on. Love it. I always put in the "Oy!" despite the odd look from one who doesn't get it. *g*
ABC TV here always screens the Edinburgh Tattoo on New Year's Eve. I believe Susan is posting tomorrow about Hogmanay, which is why I didn't mention it today.
Posted by: Anne Gracie | Tuesday, December 31, 2013 at 07:27 PM
Oh now you have me longing for the fish and chips we got in Aldeborough in Suffolk when I was a child. My New Year's Eve has been spent here at home with the dogs and a very disgruntled sleeping cat. (The neighbors are making quite a bit of noise!) I am off work tomorrow so I can sleep in, get a bit of reading done and some writing done as well.
2013 has been pretty good to me with only a few bumps in the road. For 2014 I hope to finally break into publishing by hook or by crook. And in order to do that my goal is to become a better writer every day.
Posted by: Louisa Cornell | Tuesday, December 31, 2013 at 08:29 PM
I had blue grenadier -- kind of hake -- and it was delicious, Jo. I've never heard of a dorada fish before, but there are so many kinds and they're sometimes called different names in different areas. My favourite fish for fish and chips is butterfish, also called a mullaway, but they were out this time. A good serve of fish and chips, washed down with a crisp dry white, and a waterfront view is my idea of a delightful meal.
Posted by: Anne Gracie | Tuesday, December 31, 2013 at 09:06 PM
I enjoy the TV fireworks, too, when I can't get the real thing, Laurel. All the very best of good luck for 2014.
Posted by: Anne Gracie | Tuesday, December 31, 2013 at 09:08 PM
It was delish, Artemisia. Happy new year.
Posted by: Anne Gracie | Tuesday, December 31, 2013 at 09:08 PM
I think the fish and chips you had when you were a child always tastes better, really, Louisa.*g* Have a lovely relaxing break, and the very best of good luck with your writing ambitions. I'm looking forward to reading your first book.
Posted by: Anne Gracie | Tuesday, December 31, 2013 at 09:10 PM